Setting expectations for Arkansas basketball for John Calipari’s debut season

FAYETTEVILLE — One question rings in my head as we approach a new Arkansas basketball season, headlined by the arrival of head coach John Calipari.

What would the expectations be for this Razorbacks team if it wore blue and white jerseys that said “Kentucky” on the front?

Calipari has preached patience since he took the Arkansas job. He says that one offseason isn’t enough time to implement his culture. Things begin Wednesday night against Lipscomb, but the hope is that the Hogs will be playing their best by March, poised for a deep tournament run.

But it seems like there are expectations for a drop-off. The Hogs are ranked 16th in the preseason USA TODAY coaches’ poll, and there is a general consensus that Arkansas is not in the same tier as SEC favorites Alabama and Auburn. ESPN’s preseason Bracketology pegs Arkansas a No. 6 seed in March.

More: SEC basketball power rankings: Can John Calipari, Auburn or Tennessee catch Alabama?

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These expectations, all low considering Calipari’s track record, feel cautious. There’s a chance they prove to be downright silly.

He started outside the preseason top 10 in just two of his 15 years at Kentucky. He finished outside the top three of the SEC standings just three times, and the Wildcats were a top-four seed in the NCAA Tournament in more than 50% of the seasons with Calipari at the helm.

The name on the front of the jersey is different, but the core philosophies are the same at Arkansas.

The roster is loaded with talent and features four five-star recruits. There are future NBA guards, athletic wings and a physical big man.

Oct 25, 2024; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Johnell Davis (1) dribbles in the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks at Bud Walton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

The biggest change is a shift to rely more heavily on upperclassmen. Arkansas hit the transfer portal and reeled in two top…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/setting-expectations-arkansas-basketball-john-110506645.html

Author : Ft. Smith Southwest Times Record

Publish date : 2024-11-05 11:05:00

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